Brisbane, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Anatara Lifesciences Ltd (ASX:ANR) announces that Executive Chairman, Dr Mel Bridges has informed the Board of his wish to retire from his role at Anatara with immediate effect and the Board has formally accepted his resignation.

As a result, the following actions have been taken:

- Dr Jay Hetzel, Non-Executive Director has been appointed Interim Chairman

- Dr Tracie Ramsdale, Executive Director has been appointed Interim CEO

- Mr Iain Ross and Mr Paul Grujic will continue as Non-Executive directors

With the planned change of focus toward developing the Company's human pipeline in gastrointestinal health, a search has commenced to augment the Board with further expertise in this area.

Dr Jay Hetzel, Interim Chairman said, "We respect Mel's decision and want to thank him for his leadership of the Company, culminating in the announcement earlier this week of the license deal with Zoetis. It has been Mel's goal to secure a worldwide animal health development partner and he has passionately driven this initiative over the last three years. We sincerely wish him well and thank him for his immense contributions as a founder, Chairman, CEO and substantial shareholder."

Dr Mel Bridges stated, "After 40 years of corporate history, this has been a challenging role with positive outcomes for shareholders and this is a suitable time for me to leave knowing that the Company is in good hands with a corporate team that can take the company forward to the next level, focusing on human health. While I do have a background in human health, my most recent experience lies in animal health, and I am comfortable knowing that this work will be carried on by Zoetis. It has been a pleasure being part of the Anatara team and I am proud of all that we have accomplished. I leave knowing that the Anatara Lifesciences' team will carry on the company's positive legacy."

Further shareholder updates will be provided in due course.



About Anatara Lifesciences Ltd:

Anatara Lifesciences (ASX:ANR) is developing therapeutics for gastrointestinal diseases in production animals and humans. Its lead product Detach(R) is a natural plant based product that aids in the control of diarrhoea and will help address global concerns around the overuse of antibiotics in production animals that is contributing to the rise of so-called "super bugs" that make infectious diseases harder to treat. The Anatara team has a strong track record in biological science as well as building and growing international biotech companies.



Source:

Anatara Lifesciences Ltd



Contact:

General inquiries: 
Investor Relations - Anatara Lifesciences
T: +61-7-3394-8202
E: info@anatara.com

Media inquiries:
Jane Lowe
Managing Director, IR Department
T: +61-411-117-774
E: jane.lowe@irdepartment.com.au